Four Police Commissioners in Three Years: Turmoil and Corruption Allegations Rock NYPD Under Mayor Eric Adams

By Tiffany Williams –

The New York City Police Department over the years has had 45 different Police Commissioners. They are responsible for the overall governance, administration, and discipline of the NYPD, as well as ensuring the public safety of the 8.258 million people who call NYC home, and around 65 million visitors to the city every year.

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) currently has approximately 36,000 officers and 19,000 civilian employees.

Since becoming Mayor of New York City in 2022, Eric Adams has had four Police Commissioners.

Keechant Sewell served as the first female Commissioner of the NYPD from January 2022 to June 2023, resigning after 18 months.

Edward Caban served as Police Commissioner from July 17, 2023 to September 13, 2024. He was the first Latino to hold the position. Caban, who joined the NYPD in 1991 as an officer in the South Bronx, eventually rose to First Deputy Commissioner under Sewell. As Commissioner, Caban faced criticism for his handling of officer discipline and for reducing penalties for misconduct.

He resigned amid a federal corruption investigation involving several members of Mayor Adams’ administration. Federal authorities seized phones and electronic devices from individuals in the mayor’s inner circle. The investigation partially centered around a nightclub security business owned by Caban’s twin brother, James, a former NYPD officer fired in 2001. Investigators examined whether James Caban leveraged his ties to his brother for personal gain.

Thomas Donlon, a 31-year FBI veteran, was sworn in as interim Police Commissioner on September 13, 2024. He served two months before being succeeded by Jessica Tisch. Donlon had held senior counterterrorism posts in the FBI and helped build the “Guardian” threat system and the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force. He also led New York’s Office of Homeland Security from 2009 to 2010.

After retiring from the FBI, Donlon held corporate security roles and founded Global Security Resolutions.

On July 16, 2025, Donlon filed a federal RICO lawsuit accusing Mayor Adams and top NYPD officials of operating the department as a criminal enterprise.

Before diving into Donlon’s lawsuit, it’s important to revisit Keechant Sewell’s resignation.

Former Commissioner Bill Bratton noted that Sewell’s decisions appeared to be clouded by interference. Sources close to Sewell and the Adams administration said she was micromanaged and her authority undercut by Adams.

Philip Banks III, a former NYPD Chief of Department and later Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, often took lead roles in public safety briefings — diminishing Sewell’s public presence and reinforcing the idea she was a “shadow commissioner.” Sources within NYPD and City Hall described Banks and Adams as bullying Sewell.

One notable incident involved Civilian Complaint Review Board charges against Jeffrey Maddrey, who was accused of interfering in a gun-related arrest. Sewell recommended disciplinary action, but Adams defended Maddrey and reportedly pressured her not to act. Maddrey later resigned amid unrelated sexual misconduct allegations.

A City Hall insider said, “Those guys go into their cult mode” when facing opposition — a comment also resurfaced in the wake of Donlon’s lawsuit.

Donlon’s lawsuit, filed under the RICO Act, seeks federal oversight of the NYPD. He alleges unqualified promotions, retaliation for raising concerns, and a cover-up of misconduct. He claims he was stripped of authority, excluded from decision-making, and used as a public relations prop.

The suit names Adams, First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella, former Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, Chief of Patrol John Chell, then-Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry (now Deputy Mayor for Public Safety), former Deputy Chief Tarik Sheppard, and Legal Matters Commissioner Michael Gerber.

Donlon claims he was retaliated against through the arrest of his wife, who was allegedly detained for a suspended license and subjected to humiliating treatment — an act he believes was meant to silence him.

Sheppard denied that the arrest was coordinated, calling Donlon’s allegations disappointing. He added that Donlon had accepted a City Hall position after serving as Commissioner, which undermines his credibility.

Donlon left his City Hall post in May.

The lawsuit follows similar legal actions by four former NYPD officials, all citing fraudulent promotions and retaliation. Police unions are also contesting disciplinary actions against officers accused of lying on applications.

Donlon said in a statement: “This lawsuit is not a personal grievance; it is a statement against a corrupt system that betrays the public, silences truth, and punishes integrity.”

The mayor’s office dismissed the lawsuit as “baseless accusations from a disgruntled former employee.”

Adams himself said, “This is the season for it. This is a baseless lawsuit… Let the courts figure it out. I have to keep running the city.”

Donlon alleges the NYPD has become a vehicle for political control and corruption, calling it criminal at its core. He claims that loyalists were promoted for obedience, investigations were obstructed, and accountability buried.

The suit also echoes recent allegations by other former chiefs — including John Essig and Matthew Pontillo — who said they were demoted or forced out after criticizing improper promotions and use-of-force issues.

Attorney Sarena Townsend, representing the four chiefs, said: “I applaud Mr. Donlon for coming forward with these details, which will surely lead to vindication.”

These lawsuits add to the political pressure on Adams, who avoided federal charges earlier this year after a judge dismissed an indictment related to bribery and campaign finance.

Critics claimed Adams cooperated with Trump-era federal enforcement efforts in exchange for leniency. Adams has denied these claims.

In the lawsuit filed by attorney John Scola, Donlon described Adams as lacking ethics and enabling abusive NYPD leaders. “Rather than working to reform… Adams empowered individuals with known histories of abuse and misconduct,” the suit alleges.

City Hall spokesperson Kayla Mamelak-Altus said the city will respond in court, calling Donlon’s allegations “absurd.”